Shadows Between Us (Stella and Sebastian) novel Chapter 417

Chapter 417

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The news that Rhaesia University’s assessment had been suddenly rescheduled to an earlier date was spreading like wildfire across Jaffina.

It was at the Clinton family’s residence. “What did you say?” Aveline was stunned. “The assessment interview has been moved to tomorrow?”

She could hardly believe her ears. ‘Just like that, they changed the date? Is Rhaesia University really this casual about admissions?’ she thought.

The butler remained silent and handed over the Jaffina University pass that had just arrived.

“Mom!” Sophie’s heart was pounding, her hands icy with nerves. “Could it be because of that ‘important guest’ at Harmony Residence tonight?”

Sophie couldn’t help but feel a bit resentful toward Aveline. She’d wanted to wait a little longer, thinking that if she could just get a word in with that “VIP,” it might actually help her ace the interview.

“Who exactly is this important guest?” Aveline muttered to herself, feeling a wave of suspicion.

‘Why are they being so secretive about it?’ she wondered.

Sophie frowned as she scanned the instructions that came with the pass, her anxiety growing. “It says here they’re adding a head examiner.”

Sophie felt a wave of unease wash over her.

“What’s wrong?” Dexter asked, limping over with his cane.

Ever since he announced his retirement from the entertainment industry, he’d been staying home, barely stepping outside.

At that moment, dressed in a simple black T-shirt and jeans, his signature shoulder-length hair flowing freely, his face looked a bit haggard without any makeup.

“Dexter, the Rhaesia University assessment is tomorrow, but I’m not ready yet, I-I’m so nervous,” Sophie said, gently tugging at his arm.

Whether she meant to or not, the bruise from her recent transfusion on her wrist was exposed.

Dexter was silent for a moment before saying, “I’ll go with you tomorrow.”

His retirement had blown up all over social media, and before he officially parted ways with Starfire Entertainment, Jack had warned him to stay out of the public eye for a while. But he had another idea.

Dexter glanced at Sophie, feeling a pang in his chest. He really didn’t want to see her feeling down.

Night had fallen. At the villa, the flowers were in full bloom.

11:16 Thu, Feb 12 d…

Chapter 417

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Stella lounged in the courtyard, eyes closed, soaking in the calm. Fresh from a shower, her long hair was casually tossed back, and her loose, floor-length dress pooled around her as she idly waved a fan.

On the table next to her was a bowl of chilled dessert.

“Stella!” Lucas, freshly bathed and wrapped up in his little shark towel, scampered over with a happy squeak and dove straight into her arms, all soft and sweet-smelling.

Stella let out a lazy hum, her long lashes fluttering as she opened her eyes.

She reached out and slid the dessert over to Lucas. “Try it.”

Lucas wiggled his tiny feet, took a sip, and his eyes lit up instantly. He cupped his chubby cheeks with both hands, turning into the cutest little guy ever. It felt like the whole world was bursting with happiness.

Lucas was all smiles.

When Sebastian came outside, he saw Stella relaxing in the courtyard, resting her chin in her hand and lazily fanning Lucas.

The incense beads on her wrist gently clicked together, making a soft, tinkling sound.

Sebastian sat down across from her, and Stella raised her hand, passing him the list of a hundred Blaze candidates Fabian had sent earlier. “In a few days, let’s go check out the training base.”

She’d already looked through all the data. Fabian might be Razorstrike, but he had a real eye for talent. For the competition, this list was pretty flawless.

But there was one big problem. Sebastian scanned through the list at lightning speed. “They’re way too cocky. They won’t respect you.”

The sleepy little peregrine falcon tumbled out of Sebastian’s pocket and sprawled out on the table, looking like a squishy little Eggie, still hugging its cordyceps for dear life.

Stella just shrugged, unfazed, and buried herself back in the lounge chair. “Then let’s take them down a peg first.”

The next day, at the entrance of Jaffina University, it was still too early for the main gates to open.

Word had gotten out that Rhaesia University was bringing in a head examiner.

The students who’d already survived round after round of elimination just to reach the final interview were all abuzz, speculating about what this could mean.

But as soon as Sophie showed up, the buzz faded, and all eyes turned to her. Dexter, keeping a low profile with his cane, sunglasses, and mask, had her cello case slung over one shoulder.

“Dexter, can we go over there?” Sophie murmured, her voice barely above a whisper.

She anxiously bit her finger, unable to shake off her nerves.

11:16 Thu, Feb 12 d

Chapter 417

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“Sophie, are you feeling alright?” Dexter tilted his head, worry in his voice. Some girls nearby, recognizing him, peeked over, clearly itching to come closer.

Sophie shook her head, her voice trembling. “Dexter…”

She was just about to speak when, out of nowhere, a girl with a water bottle stormed up and, for everyone to see, poured it right over Sophie’s head.

“Ah!” Sophie sprang up in panic, her eyes wide and frantic. Dressed all in white, with her hair tied back in a neat ribbon, she looked like a porcelain doll about to shatter.

“Are you out of your mind?” Dexter shot up, grabbing the girl’s wrist with a fierce grip, not even caring that his cane went crashing to the ground.

The girl spat, her voice dripping with venom, “Hyde. If it weren’t for her, you never would’ve quit the industry.

“Don’t tell me you actually fell for your so-called sister, just like the rumors say! That’s seriously gross!”

From the shadows, gossip reporters were snapping photos nonstop, their cameras clicking away like crazy.

Dexter was stunned. “What nonsense are you spouting?”

‘Like Sophie? Where did that even come from?’ Dexter thought, completely baffled.

“The news is everywhere. Hyde quit for love and spent 6 million on blood for his true love, and now you’re here with her for the Rhaesia University assessment,” the girl scoffed, her face twisted in disgust.

She added, “It’s disgusting! Liking you is the biggest regret of my

life!”

Dexter was surprised.

‘What kind of messed-up drama is this?’ Dexter thought, totally thrown off.

Sophie stood there, her hair dripping and her eyes red and watery, while everyone was staring at them.

“I didn’t! It’s not like that…” Sophie sobbed, tears streaming down her cheeks. She looked heartbreakingly

vulnerable.

And just like that, the whole scene was captured on camera and blasted across every major platform.

In no time, the hashtag: [Hyde Accompanies Sophie To Rhaesia Assessment] shot to the top of the trending list, and Sophie’s crying face went viral, instantly grabbing everyone’s attention.

Her completely lost and vulnerable look made people want to protect her.

“Quit acting like some fake innocent!” the girl snapped, about to chuck the empty plastic bottle at Sophie. But Dexter quickly reached out and swatted it away before it could hit her.

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